US20130235204A1 - Camera unit for a motor vehicle - Google Patents
Camera unit for a motor vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130235204A1 US20130235204A1 US13/822,476 US201113822476A US2013235204A1 US 20130235204 A1 US20130235204 A1 US 20130235204A1 US 201113822476 A US201113822476 A US 201113822476A US 2013235204 A1 US2013235204 A1 US 2013235204A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- camera unit
- activation
- motor vehicle
- operating position
- protective element
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R11/04—Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/18—Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R2011/0094—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by means for covering after user, e.g. boxes, shutters or the like
Definitions
- the invention relates to a camera unit having a protective element for recording images of an external region for a motor vehicle, which camera unit is connected via a control unit to a display device arranged within the motor vehicle, wherein, in an inactive operating position, the camera unit is arranged covered by means of the protective element within a recess provided on the motor vehicle, and, after activation of a first activation element, the camera unit and/or the protective element can be moved, in particular by the activation of the reverse gear, embodied as a first activation element, of the motor vehicle, by a drive element into a release position serving active operating position for recording images of the external region, and at least one second activation element is provided, wherein, after activation of the second activation element, the camera unit and/or the protective element can be moved by the drive element into the release position which is suitable for recording images of the external region.
- Camera unit for capturing the external region is usually located on the tailgate in order to facilitate parking of the motor vehicle for the user.
- the camera unit can be cleaned only at considerable cost if, when said camera unit is in an inactive state, it is located in a recess which is arranged on the tailgate and is covered by a protective element such as, for example, an emblem of the motor vehicle manufacturer.
- the camera unit is extended into an active operating position by means of a drive element when a reverse gearspeed is engaged by a gearshift lever, to permit said camera unit to capture the external region arranged behind the motor vehicle.
- the external region captured by the camera unit is displayed in a display device arranged in the motor vehicle.
- the camera unit is retracted back into the recess again within several seconds by means of the drive element.
- the camera unit is then in its inactive operating position again.
- the camera unit has an inactive operating position in which the camera unit is arranged covered in the recess by the protective element. Cleaning, repair or exchange of the camera unit are possible only at increased cost, requiring the protective element to be removed again.
- the object of the invention is to make available a motor vehicle having a camera unit in which the activation elements provided on the dashboard are reduced in order to improve visibility for the user within the passenger cell.
- the second activation element can be activated by the user only outside the motor vehicle.
- This measure makes it possible to dispense with an additional activation element arranged on the dashboard.
- the overview on the dashboard is improved for the user.
- the manufacturing costs for the motor vehicle are reduced, in particular when it is possible to have recourse to already existing activation elements arranged outside the vehicle.
- the gearshift lever embodied as a first activation element to the parked position in the case of an automatic transmission or, in the case of a manual transmission, to set the gearshift lever embodied as a first activation element to the idling position and, if appropriate, to put on the handbrake, with the engine running or else with the engine in the stationary state, and for him to move the camera unit into a release position by means of the drive element after the second activation element has been activated.
- the camera unit In the release position, the camera unit is in the active operating position in which the customary capturing of the external region is possible. However, in this active operating position the camera unit is also simultaneously in a position which is ideal and easily accessible for the user in order to clean the camera unit or, if appropriate, to change it within the scope of a repair. In its active operating position, the camera unit must necessarily be visible to the user because, in its active operating position, the camera unit must record images of the external region over a wide angle in order to display all the objects or persons arranged behind the vehicle to the user by means of the display device.
- the camera unit and/or the protective element remain/remains in the release position by virtue of the activation of the second activation element by means of the drive element.
- the essential advantage here is that the user has sufficient time to carry out the repair, the exchange or the cleaning of the camera unit.
- This measure ensures that the user who is cleaning the camera unit and who is located in front of or behind the motor vehicle is not accidentally knocked down by a motor vehicle driver of the motor vehicle.
- the safety requirements are advantageously improved by this measure.
- the structural design is very simple and cost-effective if the drive element is embodied as an electric motor.
- the drive element is embodied as a force accumulator.
- the force accumulator provides the advantage that electric current is dispensed with and as a result the power consumption of the motor vehicle is reduced.
- electronic components and lines are dispensed with, making the design simpler and more cost-effective.
- the camera unit and/or the protective element are/is moved back into the inactive operating position as a result of the manual activation of the second activation element by the user.
- the force accumulator is prestressed again. In this procedure, there is a saving in energy and cleaning is possible independently of the state of charge of the motor vehicle battery.
- the second activation element is arranged on a door or flap, in particular on a tailgate.
- the second activation element is embodied as a rear activator which serves to open the tailgate.
- the rear activator has the function of opening and/or closing the tailgate and, on the other hand, the rear activator performs the function of the second activation element, specifically moving the camera unit into its active or inactive operating position after the activation of said activation element. This also simplifies the structural design of the camera unit because two functions are assigned to one component, in particular the second activation element. Additional activation elements are dispensed with in a cost-effective way.
- the control unit which, under a certain circumstance, is already present must merely be provided with new software.
- the structural design is very simple and cost-effective if the protective element is embodied as a second activation element.
- the protective element protects the camera unit against damage and, on the other hand, the protective element performs the function of the second activation element.
- the protective element can also be provided with an emblem of a motor vehicle manufacturer.
- the second activation element is embodied as a pushbutton key on a mobile radio key which is assigned to the motor vehicle.
- a pushbutton key on a mobile radio key which is assigned to the motor vehicle.
- the second activation element which is embodied, for example, as a rear activator
- a movement of the camera unit into the active operating position is prevented by means of the drive element. This is desirable if the user would like to carry out a deliberate action, in particular if the user does not have any need to clean or repair the camera unit but instead would merely like to open the tailgate by means of the rear activator.
- the camera unit and/or the protective element can be moved back into the inactive operating position by the drive element as a result of the repeated activation of the second activation element.
- the camera unit and/or the protective element can be moved back into the inactive operating position by the drive element. If the user forgets to move the camera unit and/or the protective element into its inactive operating position, the camera unit and/or the protective element is moved automatically to its inactive operating position without activation of the second activation element. Otherwise it would be possible that in its active operating position the camera unit is damaged during travel of the motor vehicle, in particular at an increased speed of the motor vehicle, by upwardly swirling stones and particles of dust because the camera unit is at least only partially covered by the protective element in the active operating state.
- the camera unit can be moved automatically into its inactive operating position without activation of the second activation element when the tailgate closes.
- At least one sensor which detects the state of opening and/or state of closing of the doors, flaps and the like is generally assigned to the motor vehicle in order, for example, to indicate to the user that the doors or flaps, in particular the tailgate, is locked. If this sensor is used to actuate the drive element of the camera unit, it is possible to dispense with additional components.
- the closing process is also simplified further for the user if the user does not have to carry out any further action. When the tailgate closes, the camera unit is moved automatically back into the inactive operating position again.
- the second activation element is embodied as a capacitive sensor, in particular as a capacitive foot switch, which is arranged in the tailgate or in the bumper.
- the camera unit is not moved into its release position until after a second activation of the capacitive foot switch.
- FIG. 1 shows a motor vehicle having a camera unit arranged in the tailgate
- FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the camera unit arranged in a recess of the tailgate, in an inactive operating position according to a first embodiment
- FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of the camera unit arranged in a recess in the tailgate, when a second activation element is activated according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the camera unit arranged in the recess of the tailgate, in an active operating position according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a module having a rear activator and a camera unit in an inactive operating position according to a second embodiment
- FIG. 6 shows a view of the module from below, comprising the camera unit in the inactive operating position according to the second embodiment
- FIG. 7 shows a sectional view A-A of the camera unit in the inactive operating position according to the second embodiment
- FIG. 8 shows a view of the module from below, having the camera unit in an active operating position according to the second embodiment
- FIG. 9 shows a sectional view B-B of the camera unit according to the second embodiment in the active operating position.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a rear region of a motor vehicle 1 which is provided with a camera unit 3 which is arranged in a tailgate 2 and embodied as a reversing camera.
- the camera unit 3 comprises essentially an image sensor and an objective which are arranged in a housing.
- the image sensor is embodied as a CCD sensor in this exemplary embodiment.
- the camera unit 3 comprises the external region, wherein the camera unit 3 is connected via a control unit to a display device (not shown in the motor vehicle 1 ) which serves to display an external region arranged behind the motor vehicle 1 .
- the camera unit 3 is assigned a protective element 4 which is mounted so as to be pivotable about a first axis 4 . 1 and which protects the camera unit 3 against damage and soiling by swirled-up particles of dust or stones during travel.
- FIG. 2 the camera unit 3 is shown in an inactive operating position.
- the camera unit 3 is covered by the protective element 4 within a recess 5 arranged in the tailgate 2 .
- FIG. 4 An active operating position of the camera unit 3 is displayed in FIG. 4 .
- the camera unit and the protective element 4 are activated by engaging a gearspeed by a drive element by means of a first activation element embodied as a gearshift lever.
- the drive element which is embodied as an electric motor moves the camera unit 3 and the protective element 4 into a release position for recording images of the external region arranged behind the motor vehicle 1 , in order to avoid the motor vehicle 1 impacting against obstacles or persons during a parking process.
- the camera unit 3 and the protective element 4 are then in the active operating position.
- the camera unit 3 projects out of the recess 5 at an inclined angle ⁇ .
- a second activation element 6 which can be activated, in particular in the case of a stationary motor vehicle 1 .
- the camera unit 3 is moved into the release position by the drive element as a result of the activation of the second activation element 6 .
- This release position corresponds essentially to the release position which the camera unit 3 assumes after activation of the first activation element. In this release position, cleaning, exchange or repair of the camera unit 3 by the user are possible because the camera unit 3 is located in a position which is easily accessible for the user, as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the camera unit 3 does not always have to have an online operating status in which the external region records images and is displayed in the display device arranged in the vehicle.
- a case may occur in which during the parking process on the display device the user detects that the camera unit 3 is soiled. After the activation of the second activation element 6 , the camera unit 3 is moved into the active operating position by means of the drive element and the user cleans the camera unit which is easily accessible to him and which projects out of the recess 5 at the angle ⁇ . However, in this context the camera unit 3 is still in the online operating mode and records images of the external region which then displays on the display device the user who is actually active during the cleaning process. Another case is if the user approaches a closed, parked motor vehicle 1 which is not operating.
- the camera unit 3 After activation of the second activation element 6 , the camera unit 3 is then in an online operating mode, with the result that display of the external region in the display device is ruled out. As a result, the current is advantageously saved and the loading of the vehicle battery is reduced. However, it is alternatively also possible that in the last-mentioned case the camera unit 3 is always in the online operating mode after the activation of the second activation element.
- the second activation element 6 is embodied as a protective element 4 , wherein the protective element 4 serves at the same time as a rear activator for opening and/or closing the tailgate.
- the second activation element 6 is embodied as a pushbutton key on a mobile radio key which is assigned to the motor vehicle 1 .
- the second activation element 6 is arranged on a dashboard of the motor vehicle 1 .
- the activation of the second activation element 6 by a user's hand 7 causes a microswitch 8 which is embodied as an electronic switching element to be activated, said microswitch 8 activating the drive element via a control unit in order to move the camera unit 3 into the active operating position.
- the microswitch 8 which is arranged on the housing of the camera unit 3 also serves at the same time to trigger an electromechanical lock unit comprising at least one retaining pawl and one rotary latch which are operatively connected to a closing element arranged on the motor vehicle 1 .
- the protective element 4 which is embodied as a second activation element 6 is mounted by means of a spring element 9 so as to be pivotable about a second axis 10 . The protective element 4 is therefore moved back again into its home position after its activation by means of the restoring force generated by the spring element 9 .
- the second microswitch 8 it is also theoretically possible for the second microswitch 8 to have to be activated for two seconds by means of the second activation element 6 within the scope of a deliberate action, in particular in the case of a stationary motor vehicle 1 , in order to move the camera unit 3 and the protective element 4 into the active and/or inactive operating position.
- the camera unit 3 remains in the active operating position (see FIG. 4 ) by means of the drive element, with the result that cleaning or repair of the camera unit 3 is possible without difficulty.
- the camera unit remains in the active operating position until the second activation element 6 is repeatedly activated.
- the camera unit 3 is moved back into the inactive operating position again independently by means of the drive element after a predetermined time period, in particular after a minute, automatically without the second activation element 6 being activated by the user.
- the time period can also be between a minute and three minutes. The time period should in all cases be selected such that there is sufficient time to clean the camera unit 3 .
- the time period is input manually by means of a mobile input device which is assigned to the motor vehicle 1 or arranged in the motor vehicle 1 , with the result that the camera unit 3 remains in its release position for the duration of the repair.
- the camera unit 3 can also be moved back into its inactive operating position again manually from its release position by the user by pressing the protective element 4 if the user would like to protect the camera unit 3 again completely by the protective element 4 immediately after the cleaning process.
- the microswitch 8 which triggers the operation of the drive element via the control unit, to be activated.
- the microswitch 8 could alternatively be arranged on the protective element 4 . Owing to the activation of the microswitch 4 by means of the protective element 4 by the user, the camera unit 3 would then be moved back again into the inactive operating position with the aid of the drive element. The protective element 4 would then again be located in front of the camera unit 3 arranged in the recess 5 .
- FIGS. 5 to 9 show a second exemplary embodiment of the invention which has a similar method of functioning to the first exemplary embodiment.
- the camera unit 3 ′ is located in a housing 11 ′ which is embodied as a module, wherein the module is arranged in a recess (not shown) in the tailgate 2 of the motor vehicle 1 .
- the camera unit 3 ′ is located in a first recess 5 ′ and is covered by a protective element 4 ′ in the inactive operating position.
- the protective element 4 ′ is in turn mounted so as to be pivotable by means of an axis and is mechanically connected to the camera unit 3 ′.
- the module has a second recess 12 ′ in which a second activation element 6 ′, embodied as a rear activator for opening the tailgate 2 , is arranged.
- the rear activator comprises essentially a rear activator housing 13 ′ which is embodied a receptacle shell 14 ′ for a microswitch (not shown).
- the receptacle shell 14 ′ has through-openings which serve to feed through the electrical leads 15 ′ which connect the microswitch to control electronics (not shown).
- the camera unit 3 ′ is also connected to the control electronics via an electrical lead 16 ′.
- a lock unit Arranged within the tailgate 2 is a lock unit with a sensor which is embodied as a microswitch and which senses the locked state and respective opened state of the closing unit and passes them onto the control electronics.
- the control electronics are programmed in the present exemplary embodiment in such a way that when the second activation element 6 ′ is activated the tailgate 2 opens and the camera unit 3 ′ is moved into the active operating position.
- the microswitch which is arranged in the rear activator housing is activated by means of the second activation element 6 ′. After the activation of the microswitch, the control electronics receive the signal that the tailgate is to be opened and said control electronics actuate the lock unit.
- the lock unit is changed from a locked state into an opened state so that the tailgate 2 can change from the closed position into an open position.
- the sensor of the lock unit senses that the latter is in an open state. This signal which is sensed by the sensor of the lock unit is passed on to the control electronics. If the control electronics have sensed the opened state of the lock unit, the drive unit of the camera unit 3 ′ is actuated by the control unit, and the camera unit 3 ′ is moved into the active cleaning position by means of the drive element. The user can then clean the camera unit 3 ′ without difficulty because the latter is easily accessible to it, as is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 .
- the camera unit 3 ′ can alternatively not be moved into the active operating position until the user has pressed the rear activator for at least two seconds.
- the control electronics detect the deliberate action of the user and activate the drive element, which moves the camera unit 3 ′ into the active operating position for the purpose of cleaning. During the activation which lasts two seconds it is not absolutely necessary for the tailgate 2 to open. After the cleaning process is concluded, the tailgate 2 is activated again manually by the user by virtue of the fact that he presses, for example, the tailgate 2 in the direction of the ground with his hand.
- the sensor of the lock unit senses the closed state of the lock unit and passes on the signal to the control electronics.
- the control electronics evaluate the signal and actuate the drive element of the camera unit 3 ′.
- the camera unit 3 ′ is moved back into the inactive operating position, illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 , by the drive element.
- a sensor which is arranged in the lock unit and known from the prior art is advantageously used to move the camera unit 3 ′ into the active or inactive operating position. All that is necessary is to reprogram the control electronics. As a result, the camera unit 3 ′ can be easily cleaned without difficulty and in a cost-effective way.
- a motor which moves the tailgate 2 into the opened state and/or closed state
- the motor is activated after activation of a motor activation element in order to actuate the motor.
- the camera unit 3 is moved into an active or inactive operating position.
- the tailgate 2 to be opened or closed by means of a capacitive sensor arranged in a bumper or in the tailgate 2 and embodied as a foot switch. In this context, the user moves his foot underneath the bumper and/or into its direct surrounding area. The capacitive sensor detects the user's foot and passes on a signal to the control electronics.
- the control electronics actuate the drive element of the camera unit 3 ′, and the camera unit 3 ′ is moved into the active or inactive operating position.
- the capacitive sensor can also be used to move the tailgate 2 into an open/closed position. Therefore the tailgate 2 can be moved here by means of a drive element which is embodied as a motor or force accumulator.
- the drive element is embodied as a force accumulator, in. particular as a spring element.
- the electric motor and the force accumulator can also form the drive element together.
- the camera unit 3 is also possible for the camera unit 3 to be arranged in a rigid and nonmovable fashion in the recess, with the result that the protective element 4 can be moved into an active or inactive operating position in order to move the camera unit 3 into the release position for capturing the external region.
- the housing of the camera unit 3 to be embodied as a protective element 4 .
- the camera unit 3 can also be embodied so as to be pivotable out of the recess 5 arranged in the tailgate 2 .
- the camera unit 3 it would also be possible for the camera unit 3 to be pivotable out of the recess 5 arranged in a front and/or rear bumper.
- a capacitive sensor could also be used which is arranged on the protective element 4 .
- the camera unit can be designed in such a way that it cannot be moved into its release position until after a second activation of the capacitive foot switch.
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to a camera unit having a protective element for recording images of an external region for a motor vehicle, which camera unit is connected via a control unit to a display device arranged within the motor vehicle, wherein, in an inactive operating position, the camera unit is arranged covered by means of the protective element within a recess provided on the motor vehicle, and, after activation of a first activation element, the camera unit and/or the protective element can be moved, in particular by the activation of the reverse gear, embodied as a first activation element, of the motor vehicle, by a drive element into a release position serving active operating position for recording images of the external region, and at least one second activation element is provided, wherein, after activation of the second activation element, the camera unit and/or the protective element can be moved by the drive element into the release position which is suitable for recording images of the external region.
- Motor vehicles having a camera unit are widely known from the prior art. Camera unit for capturing the external region is usually located on the tailgate in order to facilitate parking of the motor vehicle for the user. However, it is to become apparent that the camera unit can be cleaned only at considerable cost if, when said camera unit is in an inactive state, it is located in a recess which is arranged on the tailgate and is covered by a protective element such as, for example, an emblem of the motor vehicle manufacturer. In motor vehicles which are disclosed in the prior art, the camera unit is extended into an active operating position by means of a drive element when a reverse gearspeed is engaged by a gearshift lever, to permit said camera unit to capture the external region arranged behind the motor vehicle. The external region captured by the camera unit is displayed in a display device arranged in the motor vehicle. During a subsequent gearspeed change, the camera unit is retracted back into the recess again within several seconds by means of the drive element. The camera unit is then in its inactive operating position again. For the driver of the motor vehicle it is not possible to exit the vehicle in order to clean the camera unit because the motor vehicle having an automatic transmission or a manual transmission would simply carry on moving without a motor vehicle driver (user) when a reverse gearspeed is engaged. When a reverse gearspeed is not engaged, the camera unit has an inactive operating position in which the camera unit is arranged covered in the recess by the protective element. Cleaning, repair or exchange of the camera unit are possible only at increased cost, requiring the protective element to be removed again.
- Furthermore, in the prior art the laid-open patent application DE102009056346A1 is known which discloses an activation element within the motor vehicle. By using this activation element arranged within the vehicle it is possible to move the camera unit into its release position. However, a further activation element is provided for this purpose on the dashboard.
- The object of the invention is to make available a motor vehicle having a camera unit in which the activation elements provided on the dashboard are reduced in order to improve visibility for the user within the passenger cell.
- The object is achieved in that the second activation element can be activated by the user only outside the motor vehicle. This measure makes it possible to dispense with an additional activation element arranged on the dashboard. The overview on the dashboard is improved for the user. Furthermore, the manufacturing costs for the motor vehicle are reduced, in particular when it is possible to have recourse to already existing activation elements arranged outside the vehicle. Furthermore, it is possible to exchange or repair the camera unit independently of the gearspeed engaged. If the user of the motor vehicle recognizes on the display device within the motor vehicle when reversing that the visibility of the external region captured by the camera unit is adversely affected by particles of dirt, it is therefore possible for him to set the gearshift lever embodied as a first activation element to the parked position in the case of an automatic transmission or, in the case of a manual transmission, to set the gearshift lever embodied as a first activation element to the idling position and, if appropriate, to put on the handbrake, with the engine running or else with the engine in the stationary state, and for him to move the camera unit into a release position by means of the drive element after the second activation element has been activated. In the release position, the camera unit is in the active operating position in which the customary capturing of the external region is possible. However, in this active operating position the camera unit is also simultaneously in a position which is ideal and easily accessible for the user in order to clean the camera unit or, if appropriate, to change it within the scope of a repair. In its active operating position, the camera unit must necessarily be visible to the user because, in its active operating position, the camera unit must record images of the external region over a wide angle in order to display all the objects or persons arranged behind the vehicle to the user by means of the display device.
- In one preferred embodiment of the invention there is provision that the camera unit and/or the protective element remain/remains in the release position by virtue of the activation of the second activation element by means of the drive element.
- The essential advantage here is that the user has sufficient time to carry out the repair, the exchange or the cleaning of the camera unit.
- In a further advantageous refinement of the subject matter of the invention there is provision that, when the second activation element is activated, the motor vehicle is in a quiescent state.
- This measure ensures that the user who is cleaning the camera unit and who is located in front of or behind the motor vehicle is not accidentally knocked down by a motor vehicle driver of the motor vehicle. The safety requirements are advantageously improved by this measure.
- The structural design is very simple and cost-effective if the drive element is embodied as an electric motor.
- According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention there is provision that the drive element is embodied as a force accumulator. The force accumulator provides the advantage that electric current is dispensed with and as a result the power consumption of the motor vehicle is reduced. In addition, electronic components and lines are dispensed with, making the design simpler and more cost-effective. After the activation of the second activation element, the camera unit and/or the protective element are moved by the drive element into the active operating position by virtue of the fact that the force accumulator, embodied for example as a spring element, relaxes. This is followed by the cleaning, the exchange or the repair of the camera unit by the user. Subsequently, the camera unit and/or the protective element are/is moved back into the inactive operating position as a result of the manual activation of the second activation element by the user. In the process, the force accumulator is prestressed again. In this procedure, there is a saving in energy and cleaning is possible independently of the state of charge of the motor vehicle battery.
- In a further advantageous refinement of the subject matter of the invention there is provision that the second activation element is arranged on a door or flap, in particular on a tailgate.
- According to a further refinement of the subject matter of the invention there is provision that the second activation element is embodied as a rear activator which serves to open the tailgate. The significant advantage is that an additional component, in particular on the dashboard, is dispensed with in a cost-effective way. On the one hand, the rear activator has the function of opening and/or closing the tailgate and, on the other hand, the rear activator performs the function of the second activation element, specifically moving the camera unit into its active or inactive operating position after the activation of said activation element. This also simplifies the structural design of the camera unit because two functions are assigned to one component, in particular the second activation element. Additional activation elements are dispensed with in a cost-effective way. The control unit which, under a certain circumstance, is already present must merely be provided with new software.
- The structural design is very simple and cost-effective if the protective element is embodied as a second activation element. With this solution there is also the advantage that an additional component is dispensed with because, on the one hand, the protective element protects the camera unit against damage and, on the other hand, the protective element performs the function of the second activation element. In addition, the protective element can also be provided with an emblem of a motor vehicle manufacturer.
- According to a further embodiment there is provision that the second activation element is embodied as a pushbutton key on a mobile radio key which is assigned to the motor vehicle. This measure makes it possible to activate the drive element even from a location which is remote from the motor vehicle, in order to move the camera unit into the active operating position by means of the drive element. As a result, when the user arrives in front of the camera unit the latter is already in its release position, with the result that the user can start with the cleaning, the exchange or the repair directly. In this context, it is also advantageous if the pushbutton key has a corresponding symbol, for example a camera, on the radio remote control. However, it is also possible to provide the pushbutton key for opening the tailgate on the radio remote control with the function of the second activation element.
- According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention there is provision that, in order to activate the drive element, it is necessary to press the second activation element for at least one to two seconds. If two functions are assigned to the second activation element, this measure rules out the possibility of both functions which are assigned to the activation element being triggered simultaneously. As a result, when the second activation element, which is embodied, for example, as a rear activator, is activated, a movement of the camera unit into the active operating position is prevented by means of the drive element. This is desirable if the user would like to carry out a deliberate action, in particular if the user does not have any need to clean or repair the camera unit but instead would merely like to open the tailgate by means of the rear activator.
- According to a subsequent preferred embodiment there is provision that the camera unit and/or the protective element can be moved back into the inactive operating position by the drive element as a result of the repeated activation of the second activation element. This offers the advantage that the user carries out a deliberate action. The user himself decides when precisely the process of cleaning or exchanging the camera unit is concluded, and the camera unit and/or the protective element are/is moved back again into the inactive operating position by the drive element.
- According to a further embodiment of the invention there is provision that, after a predetermined time period, in particular after at least one to three minutes, without activation of the second activation element, the camera unit and/or the protective element can be moved back into the inactive operating position by the drive element. If the user forgets to move the camera unit and/or the protective element into its inactive operating position, the camera unit and/or the protective element is moved automatically to its inactive operating position without activation of the second activation element. Otherwise it would be possible that in its active operating position the camera unit is damaged during travel of the motor vehicle, in particular at an increased speed of the motor vehicle, by upwardly swirling stones and particles of dust because the camera unit is at least only partially covered by the protective element in the active operating state.
- According to a further embodiment, there is provision that the camera unit can be moved automatically into its inactive operating position without activation of the second activation element when the tailgate closes. At least one sensor which detects the state of opening and/or state of closing of the doors, flaps and the like is generally assigned to the motor vehicle in order, for example, to indicate to the user that the doors or flaps, in particular the tailgate, is locked. If this sensor is used to actuate the drive element of the camera unit, it is possible to dispense with additional components. The closing process is also simplified further for the user if the user does not have to carry out any further action. When the tailgate closes, the camera unit is moved automatically back into the inactive operating position again.
- For the user it is very convenient if the second activation element is embodied as a capacitive sensor, in particular as a capacitive foot switch, which is arranged in the tailgate or in the bumper. In this context, in a further preferred embodiment the camera unit is not moved into its release position until after a second activation of the capacitive foot switch. This has the advantage that within the scope of a deliberate action the user can decide whether he would like to open the tailgate or whether he would merely like to move the camera unit into its release position for the purpose of cleaning or repair.
- The invention will be described in the figures with reference to two exemplary embodiments. In said figures:
-
FIG. 1 shows a motor vehicle having a camera unit arranged in the tailgate, -
FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the camera unit arranged in a recess of the tailgate, in an inactive operating position according to a first embodiment, -
FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of the camera unit arranged in a recess in the tailgate, when a second activation element is activated according to the first embodiment, -
FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the camera unit arranged in the recess of the tailgate, in an active operating position according to the first embodiment, -
FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a module having a rear activator and a camera unit in an inactive operating position according to a second embodiment, -
FIG. 6 shows a view of the module from below, comprising the camera unit in the inactive operating position according to the second embodiment, -
FIG. 7 shows a sectional view A-A of the camera unit in the inactive operating position according to the second embodiment, -
FIG. 8 shows a view of the module from below, having the camera unit in an active operating position according to the second embodiment, and -
FIG. 9 shows a sectional view B-B of the camera unit according to the second embodiment in the active operating position. -
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a rear region of a motor vehicle 1 which is provided with acamera unit 3 which is arranged in atailgate 2 and embodied as a reversing camera. Thecamera unit 3 comprises essentially an image sensor and an objective which are arranged in a housing. The image sensor is embodied as a CCD sensor in this exemplary embodiment. Basically, thecamera unit 3 comprises the external region, wherein thecamera unit 3 is connected via a control unit to a display device (not shown in the motor vehicle 1) which serves to display an external region arranged behind the motor vehicle 1. This makes the process of parking and leaving the parking space easier for the user since the user easily recognizes objects or persons behind the motor vehicle 1 if they are located outside the viewing region of the side mirrors and that of an interior mirror arranged within the vehicle 1. Thecamera unit 3 is assigned aprotective element 4 which is mounted so as to be pivotable about a first axis 4.1 and which protects thecamera unit 3 against damage and soiling by swirled-up particles of dust or stones during travel. - In
FIG. 2 , thecamera unit 3 is shown in an inactive operating position. - In this context, the
camera unit 3 is covered by theprotective element 4 within a recess 5 arranged in thetailgate 2. - An active operating position of the
camera unit 3 is displayed inFIG. 4 . In this context, the camera unit and theprotective element 4 are activated by engaging a gearspeed by a drive element by means of a first activation element embodied as a gearshift lever. In this context, the drive element which is embodied as an electric motor moves thecamera unit 3 and theprotective element 4 into a release position for recording images of the external region arranged behind the motor vehicle 1, in order to avoid the motor vehicle 1 impacting against obstacles or persons during a parking process. Thecamera unit 3 and theprotective element 4 are then in the active operating position. As shown inFIG. 4 , thecamera unit 3 projects out of the recess 5 at an inclined angle α. According to the invention, asecond activation element 6 is provided which can be activated, in particular in the case of a stationary motor vehicle 1. Thecamera unit 3 is moved into the release position by the drive element as a result of the activation of thesecond activation element 6. This release position corresponds essentially to the release position which thecamera unit 3 assumes after activation of the first activation element. In this release position, cleaning, exchange or repair of thecamera unit 3 by the user are possible because thecamera unit 3 is located in a position which is easily accessible for the user, as shown inFIG. 4 . After the activation of thesecond activation element 6, thecamera unit 3 does not always have to have an online operating status in which the external region records images and is displayed in the display device arranged in the vehicle. In this context, it is possible to differentiate between various cases. A case may occur in which during the parking process on the display device the user detects that thecamera unit 3 is soiled. After the activation of thesecond activation element 6, thecamera unit 3 is moved into the active operating position by means of the drive element and the user cleans the camera unit which is easily accessible to him and which projects out of the recess 5 at the angle α. However, in this context thecamera unit 3 is still in the online operating mode and records images of the external region which then displays on the display device the user who is actually active during the cleaning process. Another case is if the user approaches a closed, parked motor vehicle 1 which is not operating. After activation of thesecond activation element 6, thecamera unit 3 is then in an online operating mode, with the result that display of the external region in the display device is ruled out. As a result, the current is advantageously saved and the loading of the vehicle battery is reduced. However, it is alternatively also possible that in the last-mentioned case thecamera unit 3 is always in the online operating mode after the activation of the second activation element. - As is apparent in
FIGS. 2 to 4 , in the present exemplary embodiment thesecond activation element 6 is embodied as aprotective element 4, wherein theprotective element 4 serves at the same time as a rear activator for opening and/or closing the tailgate. Alternatively it is possible that thesecond activation element 6 is embodied as a pushbutton key on a mobile radio key which is assigned to the motor vehicle 1. Likewise, there is the further alternative possibility of arranging thesecond activation element 6 on a dashboard of the motor vehicle 1. - As is apparent in
FIG. 3 , the activation of thesecond activation element 6 by a user's hand 7 causes amicroswitch 8 which is embodied as an electronic switching element to be activated, saidmicroswitch 8 activating the drive element via a control unit in order to move thecamera unit 3 into the active operating position. However, themicroswitch 8 which is arranged on the housing of thecamera unit 3 also serves at the same time to trigger an electromechanical lock unit comprising at least one retaining pawl and one rotary latch which are operatively connected to a closing element arranged on the motor vehicle 1. If the closing unit is triggered by means of themicroswitch 8, the opening process of thetailgate 2 takes place, and the user can lift up thetailgate 2 manually for the purpose of opening. So that continuous activation of themicroswitch 8 by thesecond activation element 6 is avoided, theprotective element 4 which is embodied as asecond activation element 6 is mounted by means of aspring element 9 so as to be pivotable about asecond axis 10. Theprotective element 4 is therefore moved back again into its home position after its activation by means of the restoring force generated by thespring element 9. It is also theoretically possible for thesecond microswitch 8 to have to be activated for two seconds by means of thesecond activation element 6 within the scope of a deliberate action, in particular in the case of a stationary motor vehicle 1, in order to move thecamera unit 3 and theprotective element 4 into the active and/or inactive operating position. After the activation of thesecond activation element 6, thecamera unit 3 remains in the active operating position (seeFIG. 4 ) by means of the drive element, with the result that cleaning or repair of thecamera unit 3 is possible without difficulty. The camera unit remains in the active operating position until thesecond activation element 6 is repeatedly activated. If thesecond activation element 6 is not repeatedly activated, thecamera unit 3 is moved back into the inactive operating position again independently by means of the drive element after a predetermined time period, in particular after a minute, automatically without thesecond activation element 6 being activated by the user. However, the time period can also be between a minute and three minutes. The time period should in all cases be selected such that there is sufficient time to clean thecamera unit 3. In the case of repair or exchange of thecamera unit 3, for example in the case of inspection in a workshop, the time period is input manually by means of a mobile input device which is assigned to the motor vehicle 1 or arranged in the motor vehicle 1, with the result that thecamera unit 3 remains in its release position for the duration of the repair. However, thecamera unit 3 can also be moved back into its inactive operating position again manually from its release position by the user by pressing theprotective element 4 if the user would like to protect thecamera unit 3 again completely by theprotective element 4 immediately after the cleaning process. It would be conceivable in this context for themicroswitch 8, which triggers the operation of the drive element via the control unit, to be activated. In this case, themicroswitch 8 could alternatively be arranged on theprotective element 4. Owing to the activation of themicroswitch 4 by means of theprotective element 4 by the user, thecamera unit 3 would then be moved back again into the inactive operating position with the aid of the drive element. Theprotective element 4 would then again be located in front of thecamera unit 3 arranged in the recess 5. -
FIGS. 5 to 9 show a second exemplary embodiment of the invention which has a similar method of functioning to the first exemplary embodiment. In the second exemplary embodiment thecamera unit 3′ is located in a housing 11′ which is embodied as a module, wherein the module is arranged in a recess (not shown) in thetailgate 2 of the motor vehicle 1. Thecamera unit 3′ is located in a first recess 5′ and is covered by aprotective element 4′ in the inactive operating position. Theprotective element 4′ is in turn mounted so as to be pivotable by means of an axis and is mechanically connected to thecamera unit 3′. The module has a second recess 12′ in which asecond activation element 6′, embodied as a rear activator for opening thetailgate 2, is arranged. The rear activator comprises essentially a rear activator housing 13′ which is embodied areceptacle shell 14′ for a microswitch (not shown). Thereceptacle shell 14′ has through-openings which serve to feed through the electrical leads 15′ which connect the microswitch to control electronics (not shown). Thecamera unit 3′ is also connected to the control electronics via anelectrical lead 16′. Arranged within thetailgate 2 is a lock unit with a sensor which is embodied as a microswitch and which senses the locked state and respective opened state of the closing unit and passes them onto the control electronics. The control electronics are programmed in the present exemplary embodiment in such a way that when thesecond activation element 6′ is activated thetailgate 2 opens and thecamera unit 3′ is moved into the active operating position. In this context the microswitch which is arranged in the rear activator housing is activated by means of thesecond activation element 6′. After the activation of the microswitch, the control electronics receive the signal that the tailgate is to be opened and said control electronics actuate the lock unit. The lock unit is changed from a locked state into an opened state so that thetailgate 2 can change from the closed position into an open position. In this context, the sensor of the lock unit senses that the latter is in an open state. This signal which is sensed by the sensor of the lock unit is passed on to the control electronics. If the control electronics have sensed the opened state of the lock unit, the drive unit of thecamera unit 3′ is actuated by the control unit, and thecamera unit 3′ is moved into the active cleaning position by means of the drive element. The user can then clean thecamera unit 3′ without difficulty because the latter is easily accessible to it, as is shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 . As has already been described with respect to the first exemplary embodiment, thecamera unit 3′ can alternatively not be moved into the active operating position until the user has pressed the rear activator for at least two seconds. The control electronics detect the deliberate action of the user and activate the drive element, which moves thecamera unit 3′ into the active operating position for the purpose of cleaning. During the activation which lasts two seconds it is not absolutely necessary for thetailgate 2 to open. After the cleaning process is concluded, thetailgate 2 is activated again manually by the user by virtue of the fact that he presses, for example, thetailgate 2 in the direction of the ground with his hand. The sensor of the lock unit senses the closed state of the lock unit and passes on the signal to the control electronics. The control electronics evaluate the signal and actuate the drive element of thecamera unit 3′. Thecamera unit 3′ is moved back into the inactive operating position, illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7 , by the drive element. A sensor which is arranged in the lock unit and known from the prior art is advantageously used to move thecamera unit 3′ into the active or inactive operating position. All that is necessary is to reprogram the control electronics. As a result, thecamera unit 3′ can be easily cleaned without difficulty and in a cost-effective way. - Alternatively it is also possible for a motor, which moves the
tailgate 2 into the opened state and/or closed state, to be assigned to thetailgate 2. The motor is activated after activation of a motor activation element in order to actuate the motor. When the motor activation element is activated, thecamera unit 3 is moved into an active or inactive operating position. It is also conceivable for thetailgate 2 to be opened or closed by means of a capacitive sensor arranged in a bumper or in thetailgate 2 and embodied as a foot switch. In this context, the user moves his foot underneath the bumper and/or into its direct surrounding area. The capacitive sensor detects the user's foot and passes on a signal to the control electronics. The control electronics actuate the drive element of thecamera unit 3′, and thecamera unit 3′ is moved into the active or inactive operating position. The capacitive sensor can also be used to move thetailgate 2 into an open/closed position. Therefore thetailgate 2 can be moved here by means of a drive element which is embodied as a motor or force accumulator. - In addition, further refinements of the subject matter of the invention are possible with the result that the drive element is embodied as a force accumulator, in. particular as a spring element. The electric motor and the force accumulator can also form the drive element together. It is also possible for the
camera unit 3 to be arranged in a rigid and nonmovable fashion in the recess, with the result that theprotective element 4 can be moved into an active or inactive operating position in order to move thecamera unit 3 into the release position for capturing the external region. A further possibility is for the housing of thecamera unit 3 to be embodied as aprotective element 4. However, thecamera unit 3 can also be embodied so as to be pivotable out of the recess 5 arranged in thetailgate 2. Alternatively it would also be possible for thecamera unit 3 to be pivotable out of the recess 5 arranged in a front and/or rear bumper. Instead of themicroswitch 8, a capacitive sensor could also be used which is arranged on theprotective element 4. In this context, the camera unit can be designed in such a way that it cannot be moved into its release position until after a second activation of the capacitive foot switch. -
- 1 Motor vehicle
- 2 Tailgate
- 3, 3′ Camera unit
- 4, 4′ Protective element
- 4.1 First axis
- 5, 5′ Recess
- 6, 6′ Second activation element
- 7 User's hand
- 8 Microswitch
- 9 Spring element
- 10 Second axis
- 11′ Housing
- 12′ Second recess
- 13′ Rear activator housing
- 14′ Receptacle shell
- 15′ Electrical leads
Claims (16)
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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DE102010046396 | 2010-09-24 | ||
DE102010046396.5 | 2010-09-24 | ||
DE102010046396A DE102010046396A1 (en) | 2010-09-24 | 2010-09-24 | Camera unit for a motor vehicle |
PCT/DE2011/050027 WO2012037930A1 (en) | 2010-09-24 | 2011-08-24 | Camera unit for a motor vehicle |
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US20130235204A1 true US20130235204A1 (en) | 2013-09-12 |
US9912912B2 US9912912B2 (en) | 2018-03-06 |
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US13/822,476 Expired - Fee Related US9912912B2 (en) | 2010-09-24 | 2011-08-24 | Camera unit for a motor vehicle |
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EP (1) | EP2619039B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103118903B (en) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN103118903B (en) | 2015-10-07 |
EP2619039A1 (en) | 2013-07-31 |
EP2619039B1 (en) | 2014-12-31 |
CN103118903A (en) | 2013-05-22 |
DE102010046396A1 (en) | 2012-03-29 |
US9912912B2 (en) | 2018-03-06 |
WO2012037930A1 (en) | 2012-03-29 |
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